ATHENS, GA – Kim Jong Il has been sighted at a record store in Athens, Georgia.

North Korea’s formerly deceased communist dictator was seen perusing used records at Wuxtry, the same store where the band R.E.M. was formed

Notably absent from the public eye for months, Kim Jong Il has been recently been spotted in small towns throughout the American heartland. North Korean officials deny these claims, sating “Preposterous! Our Glorious Leader is dead, working tirelessly for the people from the afterlife.”

Here he is relaxing in his Georgia apartment:

Although attempting to blend in, Kim Jong Il attracted unwanted attention when he began happily singing along to Dave Matthews’ “Under the Table and Dreaming” at a listening station.

After nearly two hours of careful consideration he left the store with albums by Tom Waits, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Johnny Cash on vinyl. Before leaving he picked up a flier for a house party at the nearby University of Georgia. Investigation has yet to conclude whether the communist leader attended the kegger.

GREECE – Amidst all the chaos in Greece, one canine is proving to be man’s best friend!

Greece has sparked controversy, fear and chaos thanks to its financial crisis. Protests have sprouted all over the country and there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. Enter Kanellos, the “Rebel Dog.” The canine has provided a lighter angle within the tumultuous times in Greece and has become a symbol of inspiration and fearlessness.

Countless times he’s been seen confronting police officers and standing tall in the wake of tear gas. According to The Guardian newspaper, he’s been present at nearly every major demonstration in Athens, Greece.

The canine has been the topic of countless blogs and has earned a number of nicknames including “Riot Dog” and “Protest Dog.” If that isn’t a testament to his popularity, he also has his own Facebook page.

In a time of instability and uncertainty, Kanellos seems to be the sense of stability that many Greeks need. While he obviously won’t be fixing any problems, he’s clearly made his allegiance known and has become a much needed positive in this struggle.